Were they hired or fired? Valli Opticians staff compete in hilarious ‘Apprentice’ style challenge

Valli Opticians held a fun-packed staff conference followed by a glittering awards ceremony at the weekend.

Sponsored by Hoya Lens UK, Valli’s 75-strong team enjoyed a tour around the company’s lens factory in Wrexham before travelling to the Carden Park Hotel in Chester for the afternoon’s staff conference, which included an hilarious ‘Apprentice’ style challenge. Teams were asked to design a pair of spectacles that had a super-power, explain how they would bring it to market and film a promotional video, with some hysterical results!

Some of the Valli Opticians Team visiting the Hoya Lens Factory

In the evening the annual Valli Staff Awards were held.

Moin Valli, Managing Director of Valli Opticians, said: “We have numerous teams at different sites across the North of England so it’s really important that we all get together like this once a year to celebrate the previous 12 months’ achievements and to recognise staff who have gone the extra mile for the company.

“Fun is the name of the game at these events and I’m pleased to say we had a weekend full of laughter! I’d like to thank Hoya Lens UK for sponsoring and organising a fantastic two days.

“2018 was a great year for Valli Opticians. We have grown again throw acquisition, launched our first joint venture partnership, and invested in refurbishments.  As a business, we focus beyond simply generating sustainable profit. We also measure our performance on the positive impact our business makes on our communities.  We have been the first to offer contact lens recycling, we have been out in schools doing vision screening and giving talks to raise awareness of eye health, and we have been busy doing community events to raise money for local causes. This is what I am most proud of.”

Martin Batho, Managing Director of Hoya Lens UK, said: “The Valli Group annual conference was a fantastic event with an exceptional team of people! It was great to see so many of the Valli team at the conference. All who attended were extremely enthusiastic during their visit and clearly enjoyed the tour of Hoya’s manufacturing processes. I’m sure this enthusiasm and interest will translate to their patients when dispensing Hoya lenses. We look forward to continuing our relationship and support for the Valli group”.

The glitzy awards ceremony rounded off a wonderful day. The winners were:

Valli Opticians Group Outstanding Team 2018

The winner of this award was judged on criteria including amazing chemistry within the team, outstanding customer service, customer feedback and a team that is willing to go the extra mile.

The winner was AJ Spurrett Opticians in Blackburn.

Valli Opticians Practice Growth Award 2018

This award recognised a practice that has achieved excellence in growth, innovation and initiatives that have helped to develop the business during 2018.

The winner was Valli Opticians Hebden Bridge.

Valli Opticians Outstanding Attitude Award 2018

This award which recognised a member of the Valli team who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver excellent service and dedication to the company.

The winner was Joanne Johnson, Dispensing Optician at A H Merton’s Opticians in Birchwood.

Valli Opticians Community Champion Award 2018

Part of the Valli Opticians Group mission is to enhance communities by promoting eye health.

The team has done lots of work in the community over the past 12 months, including delivering talks to school children, vision screening for reception aged class children, home visits for the elderly and charity events. This award recognised a member of the team who is always willing to get involved with the community and to wave the Valli flag whilst doing it!

The winner was Eleanor Swystun, Optometrist at Valli Opticians Lockwood and Almondbury.

Kamal Aftab Professional Excellence Award 2018

This is a very special award, dedicated to Kamal Aftab who was an optometrist with Valli Opticians, an outstanding clinician who was much admired and loved by colleagues.

Kamal was only 33 years old when he sadly passed away after being diagnosed with leukaemia. He was an inspirational human being, constantly helping people in need and raising much-needed funds for charities, always with a smile on his face.

This award is dedicated to Kamal’s memory and was awarded to a member of staff who consistently delivers excellence in clinical care.

The winner was Nazmeen Ahmed, Optometrist Director at AJ Spurrett Opticians, Blackburn.

Valli Opticians Employee of the Year 2018

The nominees for this award were members of the team who have delivered excellence throughout the year with positive ‘can do’ attitudes that inspire their colleagues. They live and breathe the company values and are true ambassadors for the Group.

The winner was Christine Wrenn, Head of Operations.